Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a display panel, a first force sensor, a first vibration generator, and a first electromagnetic wave shielding member. The first force sensor is disposed under the display panel. The first vibration generator is disposed under the display panel and adjacent to the first force sensor. The first electromagnetic wave shielding member surrounds side surfaces of the first vibration generator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2018-0089754, filed Aug. 1, 2018, which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Exemplary embodiments generally relate to a display device.

Discussion

Electronic devices that present images to a user, such as a smart phone,a tablet personal computer (PC), a digital camera, a laptop computer, anavigation device, a smart television (TV), and the like, include adisplay device for displaying images. Such a display device may includea display panel for generating and displaying an image and various inputmeans. For example, a touch panel that recognizes a touch input has beenwidely employed for a display device of a smartphone or a tablet PC. Byvirtue of its convenience, a touch panel increasingly replaces existingphysical input means, such as a keypad. Further, interest in a touchpanel to receive a variety of inputs by employing a force sensor on adisplay device is growing. Also, to realize haptic feedback, a vibrationgenerator may be employed by a display device. Studies have been made torealize such haptic feedback by incorporating a vibration generator intoa touch panel or a force sensor.

The above information disclosed in this section is only forunderstanding the background of the inventive concepts, and, therefore,may contain information that does not form prior art.

Summary

Some exemplary embodiments provide a display device capable of providinghaptic feedback by generating vibration only at a part of a displaypanel where a touch is made or pressure is applied.

Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description whichfollows, and, in part, will be apparent from the disclosure, or may belearned by practice of the inventive concepts.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a display device includes adisplay panel, a first force sensor, a first vibration generator, and afirst electromagnetic wave shielding member. The first force sensor isdisposed under the display panel. The first vibration generator isdisposed under the display panel and adjacent to the first force sensor.The first electromagnetic wave shielding member surrounds side surfacesof the first vibration generator.

In some exemplary embodiments, an upper surface of the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member may be closer to the display panelthan an upper surface of the first vibration generator.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further includes amiddle frame disposed under the display panel.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember may be between a lower surface of the display panel and an uppersurface of the middle frame.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further include afirst adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer. The first adhesivelayer may be attached to the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember. The first adhesive layer may be between a lower surface of thedisplay panel and the first electromagnetic wave shielding member. Thesecond adhesive layer may be attached to the first electromagnetic waveshielding member and an upper surface of the middle frame.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember may protrude from an upper surface of the middle frame, and thedisplay device may further include a third adhesive layer. The thirdadhesive layer may be attached to the first electromagnetic waveshielding member. The third adhesive layer may be between a lowersurface of the display panel and the first electromagnetic waveshielding member.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first vibration generator and thefirst electromagnetic wave shielding member may be accommodated in afirst accommodating hole formed in an upper surface of the middle frame.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember may be between the lower surface of the display panel and a floorsurface of the first accommodating hole.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further include afirst adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer. The first adhesivelayer may be attached to the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember. The first adhesive layer may be between a lower surface of thedisplay panel and the first electromagnetic wave shielding member. Thesecond adhesive layer may be attached to the first electromagnetic waveshielding member and an upper surface of the middle frame.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember may protrude from the floor surface of the first accommodatinghole.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further include acircuit board connected to a first pad electrode and a second padelectrode of the first vibration generator. The first electromagneticwave shielding member may be disposed on the circuit board.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first vibration generator may beconfigured to vibrate in response to detection of a force via the firstforce sensor.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further include asecond force sensor, a second vibration generator, and a secondelectromagnetic wave shielding member. The second force sensor may bedisposed under the display panel. The second vibration generator may bedisposed under the display panel and adjacent to the second forcesensor. The second electromagnetic wave shielding member may surroundside surfaces of the second vibration generator.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force sensor may be disposedcloser to a first side end of the display panel than the first forcesensor, and the second force sensor may be disposed closer to a secondside end of the display panel than the second force sensor. The secondside end is different from the first side end.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first vibration generator may beconfigured to vibrate in response to detection of a force via the firstforce sensor, and the second vibration generator may be configured tovibrate in response to detection of a force via the second force sensor.

In some exemplary embodiments, a height or width of the first vibrationgenerator may be different from a height or width of the secondvibration generator.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further include athird vibration generator and a third electromagnetic wave shieldingmember. The third vibration generator may be disposed under the displaypanel and adjacent to the first force sensor. The third electromagneticwave shielding member may surround side surfaces of the third vibrationgenerator.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first force sensor may include aplurality of force detection cells, the first vibration generator may bedisposed adjacent to one of the plurality of force detection cells, andthe third vibration generator may be disposed adjacent to another one ofthe plurality of force detection cells.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first vibration generator may beconfigured to vibrate in response to detection of a force via one of theplurality of force detection cells, and the third vibration generatormay be configured to vibrate in response to detection of a force viaanother one of the plurality of force detection cells.

In some exemplary embodiments, the display device may further include afirst waterproof member disposed under the first force sensor.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first waterproof member may face oneside surface of the first electromagnetic wave shielding member.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember may surround at least two side surfaces of the first vibrationgenerator, except one side surface of the first vibration generator.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a display device includes aninput device, a display panel, a first vibration generator, and a firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member. The input device is configured toreceive an input from a user. The display panel is configured to displayan image. The first vibration generator is disposed under the displaypanel. The first electromagnetic wave shielding member surrounds sidesurfaces of the first vibration generator. The first vibration generatoris configured to vibrate in response to reception of the input via theinput device.

According to some exemplary embodiments, vibration caused by a vibrationgenerator may be blocked by an electromagnetic wave shielding member sothat a user can feel the vibration only at a position where thevibration generator is disposed.

According to some exemplary embodiments, when a user's input is receivedthrough an input device, one of a plurality of vibration generators thatis adjacent to the input device vibrates so that the vibration isgenerated only at a part of the display device to provide a hapticfeedback.

According to some exemplary embodiments, vibration generators may beattached to an upper surface of a middle frame disposed under a displaypanel, and may be connected to a display circuit board through a circuitboard so that the vibration generators, the circuit board, and themiddle frame can be implemented as a signal module with the displaypanel.

According to some exemplary embodiments, an intensity of vibration ofone or more vibration generators can be adjusted by increasing a heightand width of the vibration generators without increasing a first drivingvoltage and a second driving voltage.

According to some exemplary embodiments, edges of a lower surface of adisplay panel may be attached to edges of an upper surface of a middleframe by a plurality of waterproof members. In this manner, it ispossible to prevent (or at least reduce) moisture and dust frompermeating into an area between the display panel and the middle frame.That is to say, a display device with waterproof and dustproofcapabilities can be produced.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a depression in the form of anotch may be formed in each of a waterproof member and a force sensor sothat a cable hole of a middle frame is not covered. Accordingly, aconnection cable connected to a display circuit board can be extended toa rear surface of the middle frame through the cable hole, and connectedto a main connector of a main circuit board. As a result, a displaycircuit board can be stably (or more stably) connected to the maincircuit board.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the inventive concepts, and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplaryembodiments of the inventive concepts, and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to someexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a display device according tosome exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a display panel attached a cover windowaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a middle frame according to some exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a middle frame and a main circuit boardaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a first force sensor, first bumps, and a firstwaterproof member according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a second force sensor, second bumps, and afirst waterproof member according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, plan view of area A shown in FIG. 7 according tosome exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line III-III′ ofFIG. 8 according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a first vibration generator according tosome exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional line IV-IV′ ofFIG. 10 according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a view for illustrating an example of vibration of the firstvibration generator of FIG. 10 according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional lines of I-I′and II-II′ of FIGS. 3 and 4 according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 14A shows a vibration measurement image and a graph showingvibration of a vibration generator when there is no electromagnetic waveshielding member.

FIG. 14B shows a vibration measurement image and a graph showingvibration of a vibration generator when there is an electromagnetic waveshielding member according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show examples of display devices utilizing forcesensors as physical buttons in which vibration generators generatevibration only at a part of the display device in conjunction with theforce sensors or a touch sensing device according to some exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing another example of a middle frameaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the display panel attached thecover window of FIGS. 3 and 20 taken along sectional lines I-I′ andII-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 20 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 20 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing another example of a middle frameaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing another example of a middle frameaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing another example of a middle frameaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments. It is apparent, however,that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced is without thesespecific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplaryembodiments. Further, various exemplary embodiments may be different,but do not have to be exclusive. For example, specific shapes,configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may beused or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departingfrom the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are tobe understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of someexemplary embodiments. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, thefeatures, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, aspects,etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as an“element” or “elements”), of the various illustrations may be otherwisecombined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departingfrom the inventive concepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings isgenerally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Assuch, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shadingconveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particularmaterials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalitiesbetween illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic,attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further,in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elementsmay be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. As such, thesizes and relative sizes of the respective elements are not necessarilylimited to the sizes and relative sizes shown in the drawings. When anexemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific processorder may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order. Also, like reference numerals denote is like elements.

When an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or“coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, connected to, orcoupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present.When, however, an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, thereare no intervening elements present. Other terms and/or phrases used todescribe a relationship between elements should be interpreted in a likefashion, e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus“directly adjacent,” “on” versus “directly on,” etc. Further, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection.For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and“at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may beconstrued as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or moreof X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, these elements should not be limited by theseterms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from anotherelement. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a secondelement without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “bottom,” “under,”“lower,” “above,” “top,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in“sidewall”), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes,and, thereby, to describe one element's relationship to anotherelement(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms areintended to encompass different orientations of an apparatus in use,operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted inthe drawings. For example, if the apparatus in the is drawings is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented(e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, thespatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms“substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms ofapproximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized toaccount for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or providedvalues that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional views, isometric views, perspective views, plan views,and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such,variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result of, forexample, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected.Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed aslimited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are toinclude deviations in shapes that result from, for instance,manufacturing. To this end, regions illustrated in the drawings may beschematic in nature and shapes of these regions may not reflect theactual shapes of regions of a device, and, as such, are not intended tobe limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

As customary in the field, some exemplary embodiments are described andillustrated in the accompanying drawings in terms of functional blocks,units, and/or modules. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthese blocks, units, and/or modules are physically implemented byelectronic (or optical) circuits, such as logic circuits, discretecomponents, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements,wiring connections, and the like, which may be formed usingsemiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturingtechnologies. In the case of the blocks, units, and/or modules beingimplemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they may beprogrammed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to performvarious functions discussed herein and may optionally be driven byfirmware and/or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit,and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as acombination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and aprocessor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associatedcircuitry) to perform other functions. Also, each block, unit, and/ormodule of some exemplary embodiments may be physically separated intotwo or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and/or moduleswithout departing from the inventive concepts. Further, the blocks,units, and/or modules of some exemplary embodiments may be physicallycombined into more complex blocks, units, and/or modules withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts.

Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments will be explained in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to someexemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of adisplay device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device 10 according to someexemplary embodiments includes a cover window 100, a touch sensingdevice 200, a touch circuit board 210, a touch driver 220, a displaypanel 300, a display circuit board 310, a display driver 320, a firstwaterproof member 410, a second waterproof member 420, a thirdwaterproof member 430, a fourth waterproof member 440, a firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member 450, a second electromagnetic waveshielding member 460, a third electromagnetic wave shielding member 470,a fourth electromagnetic wave shielding member 480, a first force sensor510, a second force sensor 520, a middle frame 600, a main circuit board700, a first vibration generator 810, a second vibration generator 820,a third vibration generator 830, a fourth vibration generator 840, and abottom cover 900.

As used herein, the terms “above,” “top,” and “upper surface” refer tothe side of the display panel 300 in the z-axis direction where thecover window 100 is disposed, whereas the terms “below,” “bottom,” and“lower surface” refer to the opposite side of the display panel 300 inthe z-axis direction where the middle frame 600 is disposed. As usedherein, the terms “left,” “right,” “upper,” and “lower” indicaterelative positions when the display panel 300 is is viewed from the top.For example, the “left side” refers to the opposite direction indicatedby the arrow of the x-axis, the “right side” refers to the directionindicated by the arrow of the x-axis, the “upper side” refers to thedirection indicated by the arrow of the y-axis, and the “lower side”refers to the opposite direction indicated by the arrow of the y-axis.

The display device 10 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from thetop. For example, the display device 10 may have a rectangular shapehaving shorter sides in a first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction)and longer sides in a second direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) whenviewed from the top as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each of the corners wherethe short side in the first direction (x-axis direction) meets thelonger side in the second direction (y-axis direction) may be roundedwith a predetermined curvature or may be a right angle. The shape of thedisplay device 10 when viewed from the top is not limited to arectangular shape, but may be formed in another polygonal shape,circular shape, elliptical shape, etc.

The display device 10 may include a first area DR1 which is formed flat,and second areas DR2 extended from the right and left sides of the firstarea DR1. The second areas DR2 may be formed flat or may be curved. Whenthe second areas DR2 are formed flat, the angle formed by the first areaDR1 and the second areas DR2 may be an obtuse angle. When the secondareas DR2 are formed as curved surfaces, they may have a constantcurvature or a varying curvature.

Although the second areas DR2 are extended from the left and right sidesof the first area DR1 in FIG. 1, this is merely illustrative. That is tosay, the second area DR2 may be extended from only one of the right andleft sides of the first area DR1. As another example, the second areaDR2 may be extended from at least one of the upper and lower sides ofthe first area DR1, as well as (or as an alternative to) the left andright sides. In the following description, the is second areas DR2disposed at the left and right edges of the display device 10,respectively, will be described as an example.

The cover window 100 may be disposed on the display panel 300 to coverthe upper surface of the display panel 300. Thus, the cover window 100can protect the upper surface of the display panel 300. The cover window100 may be attached to the touch sensing device 200 through a firstadhesive member 910 as shown in FIG. 13. The first adhesive member 910may be an optically cleared adhesive film (OCA) or an optically clearedresin (OCR).

The cover window 100 may include a transmissive portion DA100corresponding to the display panel 300 and a non-transmissive portionNDA100 corresponding to another area other than the display panel 300.The cover window 100 may be disposed in the first area DR1 and thesecond areas DR2, and the transmissive portion DA100 may be disposed ina part of the first area DR1 and a part of the second areas DR2. Thenon-transmissive portion NDA100 may be opaque. As another example, thenon-transmissive portion NDA100 may be formed as a decoration layerhaving a pattern that can be displayed to the user when no image isdisplayed. For example, a company's logo, such as “SAMSUNG,” or variousletters may be patterned in the non-transmissive portion NDA100.

Holes HH for exposing various components, e.g., a front camera, a frontspeaker, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an illuminancesensor, etc., may be formed in the non-transmissive portion NDA100 ofthe cover window 100. For example, some or all of the front camera, thefront speaker, the infrared sensor, the ultrasonic sensor, and theilluminance sensor may be incorporated into (or as part of) the displaypanel 300, in which case some or all of the holes HH may be removed.

The cover window 100 may be made of any suitable material, such asglass, sapphire, and/or plastic. The cover window 100 may be rigidand/or flexible.

The touch sensing device 200 may be disposed between the cover window100 and the display panel 300. The touch sensing device 200 may bedisposed in the first area DR1 and the second areas DR2. Therefore, auser's touch (or touch interaction) can be detected not only in thefirst area DR1, but also in the second areas DR2.

The touch sensing device 200 may be attached to the lower surface of thecover window 100 through the first adhesive member 910. A polarizingfilm (not shown) may be added on the touch sensing device 200 to avoiddecreasing visibility otherwise due to reflection of external light. Thepolarizing film may be attached to the lower surface of the cover window100 through the first adhesive member 910.

The touch sensing device 200 is an element for sensing a user's touchposition. For instance, the touch sensing device 200 may be implementedas a capacitive touch sensing device of a self-capacitance type or amutual capacitance type. When the touch sensing device 200 is of aself-capacitance type, the touch sensing device 200 may include onlytouch driving electrodes. On the other hand, when the touch sensingdevice 200 is of a mutual capacitance type, the touch sensing device 200may include touch driving electrodes and touch sensing electrodes. Inthe following description, a mutual capacitive type touch sensing devicewill be described as an example.

The touch sensing device 200 may be in the form of panel or film. Thetouch sensing device 200 may be attached to a thin-film encapsulationlayer (not shown) of the display panel 300 through the second adhesivemember 920 as shown in FIG. 13. The second adhesive member 920 may be atransparent adhesive film (OCA) or a transparent adhesive resin (OCR).

In some exemplary embodiments, the touch sensing device 200 may beformed integrally with the display panel 300. In this case, the touchdriving electrodes and the touch sensing electrodes of the touch sensingdevice 200 may be formed on the thin-film encapsulation layer of thedisplay panel 300.

A touch circuit board 210 may be attached to one side of the touchsensing device 200. For instance, the touch circuit board 210 may beattached to pads disposed on one side of the touch sensing device 200using an anisotropic conductive film. In addition, a touch connectionportion may be provided at one end of the touch circuit board 210, andthe touch connection portion may be connected to the connector of thedisplay circuit board 310. The touch circuit board may be a flexibleprinted circuit board.

The touch driver 220 may apply touch driving signals to the touchdriving electrodes of the touch sensing device 200, may sense sensingsignals from the touch sensing electrodes of the touch sensing device200, and may calculate (or determine) a user's touch position byanalyzing the sensing signals. The touch driver 220 may be formed as anintegrated circuit and mounted on the touch circuit board 210.

The display panel 300 may be disposed under the touch sensing device200. The display panel 300 may overlap the transmissive portion DA100 ofthe cover window 100. The display panel 300 may be disposed in the firstarea DR1 and the second areas DR2. As such, an image on the displaypanel 300 may be seen not only in the first area DR1, but also in thesecond areas DR2.

The display panel 300 may be a light-emitting display panel including alight-emitting element; however, exemplary embodiments are not limitedthereto. For example, the display panel 300 may include an organiclight-emitting display panel using organic is light-emitting diodes, amicro light-emitting diode display panel using micro light-emittingdiodes, and a quantum-dot light-emitting display panel includingquantum-dot light-emitting diodes.

Although not illustrated in detail, the display panel 300 may include asubstrate, a thin-film transistor layer disposed on the substrate, alight-emitting element layer, and a thin-film encapsulation layer.

Since the display panel 300 may be flexible, it can be formed ofplastic. As such, the substrate may include a flexible substrate and asupport substrate. Because the support substrate supports the flexiblesubstrate, it may be less flexible than the substrate. Each of theflexible substrate and the support substrate may include a flexiblepolymer material; however, any suitable material may be utilized. Forexample, each of the flexible substrate and the support substrate may bepolyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyacrylate (PAR),polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate,polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT),cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), etc., or any suitable combinationthereof.

A thin-film transistor layer is disposed on the substrate. The thin-filmtransistor layer may include scan lines, data lines, and thin-filmtransistors. Each of the thin-film transistors includes a gateelectrode, a semiconductor layer, and source and drain electrodes. Whena scan driver is formed directly on the substrate, it may be formedtogether with the thin-film transistor layer.

The light-emitting element layer is disposed on the thin-film transistorlayer. The light-emitting element layer includes anode electrodes, anemissive layer, a cathode electrode, and banks. The emissive layer mayinclude an organic emissive layer containing an is organic material. Forexample, the emissive layer may include a hole injection layer, a holetransporting layer, an organic light-emitting layer, an electrontransporting layer, and an electron injection layer. The hole injectionlayer and the electron injection layer may be omitted. When a voltage isapplied to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, the holes andelectrons move to the organic emissive layer through the holetransporting layer and the electron transporting layer, respectively,such that they combine in the organic emissive layer to emit light. Thelight-emitting element layer may be a pixel array layer where pixels areformed. Accordingly, the region where the light-emitting element layeris formed may be defined as a display area for displaying images. Theperipheral area of the display area may be defined as a non-displayarea.

An encapsulation layer (or thin film encapsulation layer) is disposed onthe light-emitting element layer. The encapsulation layer serves toprevent permeation of oxygen or moisture into the light-emitting elementlayer. The encapsulating layer may include at least one inorganic layerand at least one organic layer.

The display circuit board 310 may be attached to one side of the displaypanel 300. For instance, the display circuit board 310 may be attachedto pads disposed on one side of the display panel 300 using ananisotropic conductive film. The touch circuit board 210 may also bebent toward the lower surface of the display panel 300, and the touchconnection portion disposed at one end of the touch circuit board 210may be connected to the connector of the display circuit board 310. Thedisplay circuit board 310 will be described in more detail withreference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The display driver 320 outputs signals and voltages for driving thedisplay panel 300 through the display circuit board 310. The displaydriver 320 may be formed as an is integrated circuit and mounted on thedisplay circuit board 310, but is not limited thereto. For example, thedisplay driver 320 may be attached to one side of the upper surface orthe lower surface of the substrate of the display panel 300.

A panel support member 390 may be disposed under the display panel 300as shown in FIG. 13. The panel support member 390 may be attached to thelower surface of the display panel 300 through a third adhesive member930. The third adhesive member 930 may be a transparent adhesive film(OCA) or a transparent adhesive resin (OCR).

The panel support member 390 may include at least one of alight-absorbing member for absorbing light incident from outside, abuffer member for absorbing external impact, a heat dissipating memberfor efficiently discharging heat from the display panel 300, and alight-blocking layer for blocking light incident from outside.

The light-absorbing member may be disposed under the display panel 300.The light-absorbing member blocks the transmission of light to preventelements disposed under the light-absorbing member from being seen fromabove the display panel 300, such as the first waterproof member 410,the first force sensor 510, the second waterproof member 420, the secondforce sensor 520, and the display circuit board 310. The light-absorbingmember may include a light absorbing material, such as a black pigmentor a dye.

The buffer member may be disposed under the light-absorbing member. Thebuffer member absorbs an external impact to prevent (or at least reducethe likelihood of) the display panel 300 from being damaged. The buffermember may be made up of a single layer or multiple layers. For example,the buffer member may be formed of a polymer resin, such aspolyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc., or maybe formed of a material having elasticity, such as a rubber and a spongeobtained by foaming a urethane-based material is or an acrylic-basedmaterial. The buffer member may be a cushion layer.

The heat dissipating member may be disposed under the buffer member. Theheat dissipation member may include a first heat dissipation layerincluding graphite or carbon nanotubes, and a second heat dissipationlayer formed of a thin metal film, such as copper, nickel, ferrite,silver, etc., which can block electromagnetic waves and have highthermal conductivity.

The first waterproof member 410, the second waterproof member 420, thefirst force sensor 510, and the second force sensor 520 may be disposedin the second area DR2. That is to say, the first waterproof member 410and the first force sensor 510 may be disposed under the display panel300 at the right edge (or side portion) of the display panel 300. Thesecond waterproof member 420 and the second force sensor 520 may bedisposed under the display panel 300 at the left edge (or side portion)of the display panel 300. The first force sensor 510 may face the secondforce sensor 520, and the first waterproof member 410 may face thesecond waterproof member 420.

The first force sensor 510 may be attached to the lower surface of thepanel support member 390. The first waterproof member 410 may beattached to the lower surface of the first force sensor 510.Additionally, the first waterproof member 410 may be attached to atleast one side of the first force sensor 510 so as to prevent (or atleast reduce) moisture or dust from permeating between the display panel300 and the first force sensor 510. At least one side of the first forcesensor 510 may be a side adjacent to the right edge of the display panel300.

The second force sensor 520 may be attached to the lower surface of thepanel support member 390. The second waterproof member 420 may beattached to the lower surface of the second force sensor 520.Additionally, the second waterproof member 420 may be is attached to atleast one side of the second force sensor 520 so as to prevent (or atleast reduce) moisture or dust from permeating between the display panel300 and the second force sensor 520. At least one side of the secondforce sensor 520 may be a side adjacent to the left edge of the displaypanel 300.

In addition, the third waterproof member 430 is disposed under thedisplay panel 300 at the upper edge (or side portion) of the displaypanel 300. The fourth waterproof member 440 is disposed under thedisplay panel 300 at the lower edge (or side portion) of the displaypanel 300. The third waterproof member 430 may face the fourthwaterproof member 440.

Since the gap between the display panel 300 and the middle frame 600 islarger at the left edge and the right edge than at the upper edge andthe lower edge, the height of the first waterproof member 410 and theheight of the second waterproof member 420 may be greater than theheight of the third waterproof member 430 or the height of the fourthwaterproof member 440.

To prevent (or at least reduce) moisture or dust from permeating, awaterproof resin layer may be formed between the first waterproof member410 and the third waterproof member 430, between the first waterproofmember 410 and the fourth waterproof member 440, between the secondwaterproof member 420 and the third waterproof member 430, and betweenthe second waterproof member 420 and the fourth waterproof member 440.

Each of the first waterproof member 410, the second waterproof member420, the third waterproof member 430, and the fourth waterproof member440 includes a base film, a first adhesive film disposed on a surface ofthe base film, and a second adhesive film disposed on the other surfaceof the base film. The base film may be a polyethylene terephthalate(PET), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and a cushion layer, or apolyethylene foam (PE-foam). The first adhesive film and the secondadhesive film may be pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the edges of the lower surface of the displaypanel 300 are attached to the edges of the upper surface of the middleframe 600 by the first waterproof member 410, the second waterproofmember 420, the third waterproof member 430 and the fourth waterproofmember 440. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent (or at least reduce)moisture and dust from permeating between the display panel 300 and themiddle frame 600. That is to say, the display device 10 with waterproofand dustproof capabilities can be produced.

The first force sensor 510 and the second force sensor 520 may beconnected to the display circuit board 310 via a third circuit board 550(see FIG. 8). Although FIGS. 3 and 8 show that the first force sensor510 and the second force sensor 520 are connected to the third circuitboard 550, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance,the display device 10 may include more than one third circuit board 550,such that the first force sensor 510 may be connected to the displaycircuit board 310 via one third circuit board 550, and the second forcesensor 520 may be connected to the display circuit board 310 via anotherthird circuit board 550.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a force sensing unit 330 for sensing theforce by driving the first force sensor 510 and the second force sensor520 may be mounted on the display circuit board 310. The force sensingunit 330 may be implemented as an integrated circuit. The force sensingunit 330 may be integrated with the display driver 320 to form a singleintegrated circuit.

In some exemplary embodiments, the third circuit board 550 may beconnected to the touch circuit board 210 rather than the display circuitboard 310. Then, the force sensing unit 330 may be mounted on the touchcircuit board 210. The force sensing unit 330 may be is integrated withthe touch driver 220 to form a single integrated circuit.

The middle frame 600 may be disposed below the panel support member 390.The middle frame 600 may include a synthetic resin, a metal, or both asynthetic resin and a metal.

In the middle frame 600, a first camera hole CMH1 for inserting a cameradevice 720, a battery hole BH for dissipating heat from a battery, and acable hole CAH through which a second connection cable 314 connected tothe display circuit board 310 passes. The cable hole CAH may be disposedin the second area DR2. For instance, the cable hole CAH may be disposedat (or near) the right edge of the middle frame 600, and may be coveredby the first waterproof member 410 and the first force sensor 510disposed under the display panel 300 at the right edge of the displaypanel 300. Accordingly, the first waterproof member 410 and the firstforce sensor 510 may include depressions NTH in the form of a notch forexposing the cable hole CAH as shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, the middle frame 600 is disposed below the panel supportmember 390 of the display panel 300, the first waterproof member 410,the second waterproof member 420, the third waterproof member 430, thefourth waterproof member 440, the first force sensor 510, and the secondforce sensor 520. Accordingly, the middle frame 600 can support thefirst force sensor 510 and the second force sensor 520 when a pressureis applied to at least one of the first force sensor 510 and the secondforce sensor 520. Accordingly, the first force sensor 510 and the secondforce sensor 520 can sense the applied force.

The plurality of vibration generators (e.g., first to fourth vibrationgenerators 810, 820, 830, and 840) may be disposed on the middle frame600. The side surfaces of each of the plurality of vibration generatorsmay be surrounded by the electromagnetic wave shielding is members(e.g., first to fourth electromagnetic wave shielding members 450, 460,470, and 480). In the following description, four vibration generatorsare disposed on the middle frame 600 for convenience of illustration,but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first vibration generator 810, the second vibration generator 820,the third vibration generator 830, and the fourth vibration generator840 are disposed on the middle frame 600, e.g., disposed on the uppersurface of the middle frame 600. The first vibration generator 810 andthe third vibration generator 830 may be disposed adjacent to the firstforce sensor 510, and the second vibration generator 820 and the fourthvibration generator 840 may be disposed adjacent to the second forcesensor 520.

The first force sensor 510 may be disposed closer to a first side end ofthe display panel 300 or the middle frame 600 than the first vibrationgenerator 810 and the third vibration generator 830. The second forcesensor 520 may be disposed closer to a second side end of the displaypanel 300 or the middle frame 600 than the second vibration generator820 and the fourth vibration generator 840. As shown in FIG. 2, thefirst side of the display panel 300 or the middle frame 600 may be theright side, whereas the second side of the display panel 300 or themiddle frame 600 may be the left side. In addition, the first vibrationgenerator 810 may be disposed closer to the upper side than the thirdvibration generator 830, and the second vibration generator 820 may bedisposed closer to the upper side than the fourth vibration generator840.

The first vibration generator 810, the second vibration generator 820,the third vibration generator 830, and the fourth vibration generator840 may be connected to a vibration driver 340 of the display circuitboard 310 via the fourth circuit board 890. Although the first vibrationgenerator 810, the second vibration generator 820, the third vibrationgenerator 830, and the fourth vibration generator 840 are connected to asingle fourth circuit board 890 in FIG. 4, exemplary embodiments are notlimited thereto. That is to say, the display device 10 may include morethan one fourth circuit board 890, and the first vibration generator810, the second vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator830, and the fourth vibration generator 840 may be connected to thedisplay circuit board 310 through different fourth circuit boards 890,respectively. For instance, two of the first vibration generator 810,the second vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator 830,and the fourth vibration generator 840 may be connected to the displaycircuit board 310 via one fourth circuit board 890, and the other two ofthe first vibration generator 810, the second vibration generator 820,the third vibration generator 830, and the fourth vibration generator840 may be connected to the display circuit board 310 via another fourthcircuit board 890.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the vibration driver 340 for driving thefirst vibration generator 810, the second vibration generator 820, thethird vibration generator 830, and the fourth vibration generator 840may be mounted on the display circuit board 310. The vibration driver340 may be formed as an integrated circuit. As another example, thevibration driver 340 may be mounted on the fourth circuit board 890.

The vibration driver 340 may generate first driving voltages and seconddriving voltages for driving each of the first vibration generator 810,the second vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator 830,and the fourth vibration generator 840 in response to vibration datareceived from a main processor 710. The vibration data from the mainprocessor 710 may be transmitted to the vibration driver 340 via thesecond connection cable 314 of the main circuit board 700 and thedisplay circuit board 310, the second circuit board 312, the firstconnection cable 313, and the first circuit board 311. The first drivingvoltages and the second driving voltages of the vibration driver 340 maybe applied to the first vibration generator 810, the is second vibrationgenerator 820, the third vibration generator 830, and the fourthvibration generator 840 via the first circuit board 311 and the fourthcircuit board 890 of the display circuit board 310.

The vibration driver 340 may include a digital signal processor (DSP)for processing the vibration data, which is a digital signal, adigital-analog converter (DAC) for converting the vibration dataprocessed by the digital signal processor in the form of a digitalsignal into the first driving voltages and the second driving voltagesin the form of an analog signal, and an amplifier (AMP) for amplifyingthe first driving voltages and the second driving voltages converted bythe digital-analog converter in the form of an analog signal to outputthe amplified first driving voltages and the amplified second drivingvoltages.

The main processor 710 may control the first to fourth vibrationgenerators 810, 820, 830, and 840 so that they have different vibrationintensities and/or vibration cycles. For example, the first vibrationgenerator 810 may vibrate with the highest intensity, the secondvibration generator 820 may vibrate with the second highest intensity,the third vibration generator 830 may vibrate with the third highestintensity, and the fourth vibration generator 840 may vibrate with thelowest intensity. As another example, the first vibration generator 810may vibrate with the highest cycle, the second vibration generator 820may vibrate with the second highest cycle, the third vibration generator830 may vibrate with the third highest cycle, and the fourth vibrationgenerator 840 may vibrate with the lowest cycle.

In addition, each of the first vibration generator 810, the secondvibration generator 820, the third vibration generator 830, and thefourth vibration generator 840 may be implemented as a sound generatorthat can generate sound by vibration. The first vibration generator 810,the second vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator 830,and the is fourth vibration generator 840 will be described in moredetail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may be disposed tosurround the side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810 toprevent vibration generated by the first vibration generator 810 frompropagating. The second electromagnetic wave shielding member 460 may bedisposed to surround the side surfaces of the second vibration generator820 to prevent vibration generated by the second vibration generator 820from propagating. The third electromagnetic wave shielding member 470may be disposed to surround the side surfaces of the third vibrationgenerator 830 to prevent vibration generated by the third vibrationgenerator 830 from propagating. The fourth electromagnetic waveshielding member 480 may be disposed to surround the side surfaces ofthe fourth vibration generator 840 to prevent vibration generated by thefourth vibration generator 840 from propagating.

In FIGS. 2 and 4, the first vibration generator 810 has a rectangularshape when viewed from the top and the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450 surrounds all of the side surfaces of the firstvibration generator 810; however, exemplary embodiments are not limitedthereto. When the first vibration generator 810 is disposed at a cornerof the middle frame 600, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member450 may be disposed to surround two side surfaces of the first vibrationgenerator 810. In addition, when the first vibration generator 810 isdisposed at the edge of left side, an upper side, or a lower side of themiddle frame 600, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450may be disposed to surround three side surfaces of the first vibrationgenerator 810. Each of the second to fourth electromagnetic waveshielding members 460, 470, and 480 may also be formed to surround two,three, or all side surfaces of the respective second to fourth vibrationgenerators 820, 830, and 840 substantially in the same manner as thefirst vibration generator 810 depending on where is the respectivesecond to fourth vibration generators 820, 830, and 840 are disposed.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, vibration generated by the first vibrationgenerator 810 can be blocked by the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 450. Accordingly, when the first vibration generator 810vibrates, a user can feel the vibration only at the position where thefirst vibration generator 810 is disposed. Likewise, the user may feelvibration generated by the second vibration generator 820, vibrationgenerated by the third vibration generator 830, or vibration generatedby the fourth vibration generator 840 only at the position where therespective second to fourth vibration generators 820, 830, and 840 aredisposed.

The main circuit board 700 may be disposed under the middle frame 600.The main circuit board 700 may be a printed circuit board or a flexibleprinted circuit board. In some exemplary embodiments, the main circuitboard 700 may include a main processor 710, a camera device 720, a mainconnector 730, a fifth vibration generator 740, and a fifthelectromagnetic wave shielding member 750.

The main processor 710 may be disposed on the surface of the maincircuit board 700 facing the middle frame 600, whereas the mainconnector 730 may be disposed on the other surface of the main circuitboard 700 facing the bottom cover 900. In addition, the camera device720 may be disposed on either surface of the main circuit board 700 suchthat the upper surface of the camera device 720 is disposed on the othersurface of the main circuit board 700, and the lower surface of thecamera device 720 is disposed on one surface of the main circuit board700.

The main processor 710 may control all or some of the functions of thedisplay device 10. For example, the main processor 710 may output imagedata to the display driver 320 of the display circuit board 310 so thatthe display panel 300 displays an image. In addition, the main processor710 may receive touch data from the touch driver 220 to determine theposition of the user's touch, and may execute an application indicatedby an icon displayed at the position of the user's touch. In addition,the main processor 710 may receive force sensing data from the touchdriver 220 or the display driver 320 and may output a home screen, maycontrol the volume of sound of the display device 10, may achieve hapticfeedback in response to the force sensing data, and/or the like. Inaddition, the main processor 710 may output to the vibration driver 340vibration data for vibrating the first vibration generator 810, thesecond vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator 830,and/or the fourth vibration generator 840, and may output the vibrationsignal for vibrating the fifth vibration generator 740.

The main processor 710 may be an application processor, a centralprocessing unit, or a system chip implemented as an integrated circuit.

The camera device 720 processes image frames, such as still image andvideo obtained by the image sensor in the camera device 720, and outputsthe image frames to the main processor 710.

The second connection cable 314 passing through the cable hole CAH ofthe middle frame 600 may be connected to the main connector 730 disposedon the lower surface of the main circuit board 700 via a gap GAP betweenthe middle frame 600 and the main circuit board 700. Accordingly, themain circuit board 700 may be electrically connected to the displaycircuit board 310 and the touch circuit board 210.

The fifth vibration generator 740 may be a vibration generator, such asan eccentric rotating mass (ERM), a linear resonant actuator (LRA), or apiezo actuator. The fifth vibration generator 740 may generate vibrationin response to a vibration signal received from the main processor 710.Although the fifth vibration generator 740 is disposed on (or near) theis upper edge of the main circuit board 700 in FIG. 2, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto.

The fifth electromagnetic wave shielding member 750 may be disposed tosurround the side surfaces of the fifth vibration generator 740 toprevent vibration generated by the fifth vibration generator 740 frompropagating. The fifth electromagnetic wave shielding member 750 shownin FIG. 2 surrounds all the side surfaces of the fifth vibrationgenerator 740, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Whenthe fifth vibration generator 740 is disposed at a corner of the maincircuit board 700, the fifth electromagnetic wave shielding member 750may be disposed to surround two side surfaces of the fifth vibrationgenerator 740. In addition, when the fifth vibration generator 740 isdisposed at (or near) the edge of left side, an upper side, or a lowerside of the main circuit board 700, the fifth electromagnetic waveshielding member 750 may be disposed to surround three side surfaces ofthe fifth vibration generator 740.

The fifth electromagnetic wave shielding member 750 may be made of awaterproof member (or material), such as at least one of plastic, steel,and a waterproof tape. In order to block (e.g., effectively block) thevibration by the fifth vibration generator 740 by the fifthelectromagnetic wave shielding member 750, the fifth electromagneticwave shielding member 750 may be disposed on the upper surface of themain circuit board 700 and the lower surface of the middle frame 600.

In some exemplary embodiments, a mobile communications module capable oftransmitting/receiving a wireless signal to/from at least one of a basestation, an external terminal, and a server over a mobile communicationsnetwork may be further mounted on the main circuit board 700. Thewireless signal may include various types of data depending on a isvoice signal, a video call signal, and/or a text/multimedia messagetransmission/reception. In addition, an acoustic output device capableof outputting sound, and a vibration generator capable of generatingvibration for haptic feedback may be further mounted on the main circuitboard 700.

The bottom cover 900 may be disposed below the middle frame 600 and themain circuit board 700. The bottom cover 900 may be fastened and fixedto the middle frame 600.

The bottom cover 900 may form the exterior of the lower surface of thedisplay device 10. The bottom cover 900 may include plastic and/ormetal. A second camera hole CMH2 may be formed in the bottom cover 900through which the camera device 720 may be inserted to protrude to theoutside. The positions of the camera device 720 and the first and secondcamera holes CMH1 and CMH2 in line with the camera device 720 are notlimited to those shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a display panel attached a cover windowaccording to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a plan view of amiddle frame according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 is a bottomview of a middle frame and a main circuit board according to someexemplary embodiments.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the connection between thedisplay circuit board 310 and the third circuit board 550 and theconnection between the second connection cable 314 and the mainconnector 730 of the main circuit board 700 will be described in moredetail. It is to be noted that FIG. 4 is a plan view, whereas FIGS. 3and 5 are bottom views, and, as such, the left and right of the displaydevice 10 in FIG. 4 are reversed in FIGS. 3 and 5. For convenience ofillustration, the display circuit board 310 is depicted with a dashedline in FIG. 4, and the second connection cable 314 is depicted in acircle with a dot-dash line in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the display circuit board 310 may include afirst circuit board 311, a second circuit board 312, and a firstconnection cable 313.

The first circuit board 311 may be attached to one side of the uppersurface or the lower surface of the substrate of the display panel 300and may be bent toward the lower surface of the substrate of the displaypanel 300. The first circuit board 311 may be fixed in the fixing holesFH formed in the middle frame 600 by fixing members as shown in FIG. 4.

The first circuit board 311 may include a display driver 320, a forcesensing unit 330, a first connector 311 a, a second connector 311 b, anda third connector 311 c. The display driver 320, the force sensing unit330, the first connector 311 a, the second connector 311 b, and thethird connector 311 c may be disposed on the surface of the firstcircuit board 311.

The first connector 311 a may be connected to one end of the firstconnection cable 313 connected to the second circuit board 312. Thedisplay driver 320 and the force sensing unit 330 mounted on the firstcircuit board 311 may be electrically connected to the second circuitboard 312 via the first connection cable 313.

The second connector 311 b may be connected to one end of the thirdcircuit board 550 connected to the first force sensor 510 and the secondforce sensor 520. Accordingly, the first force sensor 510 and the secondforce sensor 520 may be electrically connected to the force sensing unit330.

The third connector 311 c may be connected to one end of the fourthcircuit board 890 connected to the first vibration generator 810, thesecond vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator 830, andthe fourth vibration generator 840. Accordingly, each of the firstvibration generator 810, the second vibration generator 820, the thirdvibration generator 830, and the fourth vibration generator 840 may beelectrically connected to the vibration driver 340 is of the displaycircuit board 310. Further, since the display circuit board 310 iselectrically connected to the main circuit board 700 via the secondconnection cable 314, the first vibration generator 810, the secondvibration generator 820, the third vibration generator 830, and thefourth vibration generator 840 may be electrically connected to the mainprocessor 710 of the main circuit board 700.

The second circuit board 312 may include a touch connector 312 a, afirst connector 312 b, and a second connector 312 c. The first connector312 b and the second connector 312 c may be disposed on one surface ofthe second circuit board 312, and the touch connector 312 a may bedisposed on the other surface of the second circuit board 312.

The touch connector 312 a may be connected to one end of the touchcircuit board 210. Accordingly, the touch driver 220 may be electricallyconnected to the second circuit board 312.

The first connector 312 b may be connected to the other end of the firstconnection cable 313 connected to the first circuit board 311. Thedisplay driver 320 and the force sensing unit 330 mounted on the firstcircuit board 311 may be electrically connected to the second circuitboard 312 via the first connection cable 313.

The second connector 312 c may be connected to one end of a secondconnection cable 314 connected to the main connector 730 of the maincircuit board 700. Thus, the second circuit board 312 may beelectrically connected to the second circuit board 312 through thesecond connection cable 314.

A connecting portion 315 may be formed at the other end of the secondconnection cable 314. The connecting portion 315 of the secondconnection cable 314 may be extended to the lower surface of the middleframe 600 through the cable hole CAH of the middle is frame 600 as shownin FIGS. 4 and 5. In each of the first waterproof member 410 and thefirst force sensor 510, a depression NTH in the form of notch is formedin line with the cable hole CAH of the middle frame 600. Accordingly,the cable hole CAH of the middle frame 600 can be exposed without beingcovered by the first waterproof member 410 and the first force sensor510.

As shown in FIG. 5, a gap GAP between the middle frame 600 and the maincircuit board 700 is created in line with the cable hole CAH of themiddle frame 600. Accordingly, the connecting portion 315 of the secondconnection cable 314, which has passed through the cable hole CAH, comesout through the gap GAP between the middle frame 600 and the maincircuit board 700, to be extended to the lower surface of the maincircuit board 700. In this manner, the connecting portion 315 of thesecond connection cable 314 may be connected to the main connector 730disposed on the lower surface of the main circuit board 700.

As seen in FIGS. 3 to 5, a depression NTH in the form of notch is formedin the first waterproof member 410 and the first force sensor 510 so asnot to cover the cable hole CAH of the middle frame 600. Accordingly,the second connection cable 314 connected to the display circuit board310 may be extended to the rear surface of the middle frame 600 throughthe cable hole CAH and may be connected to the main connector 730 of themain circuit board 700. Thus, the display circuit board 310 can bestably connected to the main circuit board 700.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a first force sensor, first bumps, and a firstwaterproof member according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7 is aplan view of a second force sensor, second bumps, and a first waterproofmember according to some exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first force sensor 510 may have a rectangularshape is having shorter sides in a first direction (x-axis direction)and longer sides in a second direction (y-axis direction) when viewedfrom the top, e.g., in a third direction (z-axis direction); however,exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The shape of the firstforce sensor 510 may vary depending on where it is disposed.

The first force sensor 510 includes a plurality of force detection cellsCE1 to CE8. Although the first force sensor 510 shown in FIG. 6 includeseight force detection cells CE1 to CE8, the number of the forcedetection cells CE1 to CE8 is not limited to eight. Any suitable numberof force detection cells may be utilized in association with exemplaryembodiments.

Each of the force detection cells CE1 to CE8 may individually senseforce at their respective positions. Although the force detection cellsCE1 to CE8 shown in FIG. 6 are arranged in a single row, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto. The force detection cells CE1 toCE8 may be arranged in several rows as desired or arranged in any othersuitable manner. In addition, the force detection cells CE1 to CE8 maybe arranged at predetermined intervals as shown in FIG. 6 or may bearranged continuously or variably.

The force detection cells CE1 to CE8 may have different areas dependingon the use. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the first to seventhforce detection cells CE1 to CE7 may be used as physical buttons, suchas volume control buttons VB+ and VB− and a power button PB disposed ona side of the display device 10. As another example, as shown in FIG.15B, the eighth force detection cell CE8 may be used as a button SB forsensing a user's squeezing force. The eighth force detection cell CE8may be formed to have a larger area than the first to seventh forcedetection cells CE1 to CE7. The eighth force detection cell CE8 may belonger than the first to seventh force detection cells CE1 to CE7 in thelongitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the first force sensor 510.

Additionally, although the first to seventh force detection cells CE1 toCE7 used as physical buttons have the same area in FIG. 6, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, the first to seventhforce detection cells CE1 to CE7 may have different areas from oneanother. As another example, some of the first to seventh forcedetection cells CE1 to CE7 may have the same area, whereas others mayhave the same area, which is different from the area of the some of theforce detection cells.

First bumps 530 may be disposed on the first to eighth force detectioncells CE1 to CE8, respectively, such that the first bumps 530 overlapwith the first to eighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8, respectively.The first bumps 530 may be used to press the first to eighth forcedetection cells CE1 to CE8 when a user's force is applied. Each of thefirst bumps 530 may be smaller than the respective one of the first toeighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8.

The area of each of the first bumps 530 may be proportional to the areaof the respective one of the first to eighth force detection cells CE1to CE8. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the area of the eighthforce detection cell CE8 is larger than the area of each of the first toseventh force detection cells CE1 to CE7, the area of the first bump 530on the eighth force detection cell CE8 may be larger than the area ofthe each of the first bumps 530 on the first to seventh force detectioncells CE1 to CE7.

To prevent moisture or dust from permeating between the display panel300 and the first force sensor 510, the first waterproof member 410 maybe attached to the lower surface and one side surface of the first forcesensor 510. As such, the width W2 of the first waterproof member 410 inthe width direction (x-axis direction) may be larger than the width W1of the first force sensor 510 in the width direction (x-axis direction).Accordingly, the area of the first waterproof member 410 may be largerthan the area of the first force sensor 510.

In addition, in order not to cover the cable hole CAH of the middleframe 600, a first depression NTH1 in the form of notch may be formed inthe first waterproof member 410 in line with the cable hole CAH of themiddle frame 600, and a second depression NTH2 in the form of notch maybe formed in the first force sensor 510. It is to be noted that thefirst depression NTH1 does not cover the second depression NTH2 takinginto account the process error margin (e.g., manufacturing tolerances),and thus, the width W3 of the first depression NTH1 is larger than thewidth W4 of the second depression NTH2.

It is to be noted that the second force sensor 520, the second bumps540, and the second waterproof member 420 shown in FIG. 7 are differentfrom the first force sensor 510, the first bumps 530, and the firstwaterproof member 410 in that no depressions NTH are formed in thesecond force sensor 520 and the second waterproof member 420. It isnoted, however, that the second force sensor 520 may include a pad areaPAD, which is described in more detail in association with FIGS. 8 and9. Therefore, the second force sensor 520, the second bump 540, and thesecond waterproof member 420 will not be described to avoid redundancy.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, plan view of area A shown in FIG. 7 according tosome exemplary embodiments. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken alongsectional line III-III′ of FIG. 8 according to some exemplaryembodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first force sensor 510 includes a firstsubstrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, a driving line TL, first toeighth sensing lines RL1 to RL8, a driving pad TP, first to eighthsensing pads RP1 to RP8, and first to eighth force detection cells CE1to CE8, where p is an integer equal to or greater than two.

FIG. 8 shows only the fourth force detection cell CE4, the fifth forcedetection is cell CE5, and the pad area PAD for convenience ofillustration. In FIG. 8, the second substrate SUB2 is not shown forconvenience of illustration.

The first substrate SUB1 faces the second substrate SUB2. Each of thefirst substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may include amaterial, such as polyethylene, polyimide, polycarbonate, polysulfone,polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polyvinyl alcohol,poly(norbornene), and polyester. According to some exemplaryembodiments, each of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrateSUB2 may be formed as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or apolyimide film.

The first to eighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8 are disposedbetween the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. Thedriving line TL, the first to eighth sensing lines RL1 to RL8, thedriving pad TP, and the first to eighth sensing pads RP1 to RP8 aredisposed on one surface of the first substrate SUB1 facing the secondsubstrate SUB2. The first to eighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8 aredisposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

Each of the first to eighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8 may beconnected to at least one driving line (e.g., driving line TL) and atleast one sensing line (e.g., at least one of first to eighth sensinglines RL1 to RL8). For example, although the first to eighth forcedetection cells CE1 to CE8 may be commonly connected to a single drivingline TL, they may be connected to the first to eighth sensing lines RL1to RL8, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8, the fourth force detectioncell CE4 may be connected to the driving line TL and the fourth sensingline RL4, whereas the fifth force detection cell CE5 may be connected tothe driving line TL and the fifth sensing line RL5.

The driving line TL may be connected to the driving pad TP, and thefirst to is eighth sensing lines RL1 to RL8 may be connected to thefirst to eighth sensing pads RP1 to RP8, respectively. The first sensingline RL1 may be connected to the first sensing pad RP1, the secondsensing line RL2 may be connected to the second sensing pad RP2, thethird sensing line RL3 may be connected to the third sensing pad RP3,and the fourth sensing line RL4 may be connected to the fourth sensingpad RP4. The fifth sensing line RL5 may be connected to the fifthsensing pad RP5, the sixth sensing line RL6 may be connected to thesixth sensing pad RP6, the seventh sensing line RL7 may be connected tothe seventh sensing pad RP7, and the eighth sensing line RL8 may beconnected to the eighth sensing pad RP8.

The pad area PAD may protrude from one side of the first substrate SUB1.The side of the first substrate SUB1 may be the longer side of the firstforce sensor 510. Although the pad area PAD protrudes from the center ofthe longer side of the first substrate SUB1 in FIG. 8, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, the pad area PAD mayprotrude from one end or the other end of the longer side of the firstsubstrate SUB1.

The driving pad TP and the first to eighth sensing pads RP1 to RP8 maybe disposed in (or on) the pad area PAD. The driving pad TP and thefirst to eighth sensing pads RP1 to RP8 may be connected to a drivinglead line TL_F and first to eighth sensing lead lines RL1_F to RL8_F ofthe third circuit board 550, respectively, through an anisotropicconductive film. The driving pad TP may be connected to the driving leadline TL_F, the first sensing pad RP1 may be connected to a first sensinglead line RL1_F, the second sensing pad RP2 may be connected to a secondsensing lead line RL2_F, the third sensing pad RP3 may be connected to athird sensing lead line RL3_F, and the fourth sensing pad RP4 may beconnected to a fourth sensing lead line RL4_F. In addition, the fifthsensing pad RP5 may be connected to the fifth sensing lead line RP5_F,the sixth sensing pad RP6 may be connected to the sixth sensing lead isline RP6_F, the seventh sensing pad RP7 may be connected to the seventhsensing lead line RP7_F, and the eighth sensing pad RP8 may be connectedto the eighth sensing lead line RP8_F.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the third circuit board 550 is connected tothe display circuit board 310 so that the third circuit board 550 may beelectrically connected to the force sensing unit 330 mounted on thedisplay circuit board 310. The force sensing unit 330 applies a drivingvoltage to the driving line TL through the driving lead line TL_F of thethird circuit board 550 and the driving pad TP of the first force sensor510, and senses the current values or voltage values from the first toeighth sensing lines RL1 to RL8 through the first to eighth sensing leadlines RL1_F to RL8_F connected to the first to eighth sensing pads RP1to RP8 of the first force sensor 510, to thereby sense force applied tothe first to eighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8.

The first force sensor 510 may further include a coupling layer (notshown) disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2 to couple the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2 together. The coupling layer may be implemented as apressure-sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer. The couplinglayer may be disposed along the periphery of the first substrate SUB1and the second substrate SUB2. In some exemplary embodiments, thecoupling layer may completely surround the edges of the first substrateSUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 to seal the inside of the first forcesensor 510. In addition, the coupling layer may serve as a spacer formaintaining a distance between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2. The coupling layer may not overlap with the driving lineTL, the first to eighth sensing lines RL1 to RL8, the first to eighthforce detection cells CE1 to CE8, the driving pad TP, or the first toeighth sensing pads RP1 to RP8.

The coupling layer may be first attached to one surface of one of thefirst is substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 and then attachedto one surface of the other substrate during a process of attaching thefirst substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 together. As anotherexample, a coupling layer may be disposed on each of one surface of thefirst substrate SUB1 and one surface of the second substrate SUB2, andthen the coupling layer on the first substrate SUB1 may be attached tothe coupling layer on the second substrate SUB2 during a process ofattaching the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2together.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, each of the first toeighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8 includes a driving connectionelectrode TCE, a sensing connection electrode RCE, driving electrodesTE1, sensing electrodes RE1, and a force sensing layer PSL.

The driving connection electrode TCE, the sensing connection electrodeRCE, the driving electrodes TE1, and the sensing electrodes RE1 aredisposed on the first substrate SUB1 facing the second substrate SUB2.

The driving connection electrode TCE is connected to the driving line TLand the driving electrode TEL For instance, the driving connectionelectrode TCE is connected to the driving line TL at one end in thelongitudinal direction (y-axis direction). The driving electrodes TE1may branch off in the width direction (x-axis direction) of the drivingconnection electrode TCE.

The sensing connection electrode RCE is connected to one of the first toeighth sensing lines RL1 to RL8 and the sensing electrodes RE1. Forinstance, the sensing connection electrode RCE is connected to one ofthe first to eighth sensing lines RL1 to RL8 at one end in thelongitudinal direction (y-axis direction). The sensing electrodes RE1may branch off in the width direction (x-axis direction) of the sensingconnection electrode RCE.

The driving electrodes TE1 and the sensing electrodes RE1 may bedisposed on is the same layer. The driving electrodes TE1 and thesensing electrodes RE1 may be made of the same material. For example,the driving electrodes TE1 and the sensing electrodes RE1 may include aconductive material, such as silver (Ag) and copper (Cu); however,exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The driving electrodesTE1 and the sensing electrodes RE1 may be formed on the first substrateSUB1 by screen printing.

The driving electrodes TE1 and the sensing electrodes RE1 are disposedadjacent to each other, but are not connected to each other. The drivingelectrodes TE1 and the sensing electrodes RE1 may be arranged inparallel with one another. The driving electrodes TE1 and the sensingelectrodes RE1 may be alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction(y-axis direction) of the driving connection electrode TCE and thesensing connection electrode RCE. That is to say, the driving electrodeTE1, the sensing electrode RE1, the driving electrode TE1, and thesensing electrode RE1 may be arranged repeatedly in this order in thelongitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the driving connectionelectrode TCE and the sensing connection electrode RCE.

The force sensing layer PSL is disposed on the surface of the secondsubstrate SUB2 facing the first substrate SUB1. The force sensing layerPSL may be disposed such that the force sensing layer PSL overlaps withthe driving electrodes TE1 and the sensing electrodes RE1. The forcesensing layer PSL may include a pressure sensitive material and apolymer resin where the pressure sensitive material is disposed. Thepressure sensitive material may be metal micro-particles (or metalnanoparticles), such as nickel, aluminum, titanium, tin and copper;however, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, theforce sensing layer PSL may be a quantum tunneling composite (QTC).

When no force in the height (or thickness) direction (z-axis direction)of the first is force sensor 510 is applied to the second substrateSUB2, there is a gap between the force sensing layer PSL and the drivingelectrode TE1 and between the force sensing layer PSL and the sensingelectrodes RE1 as shown in FIG. 9. That is to say, when no force isapplied to the second substrate SUB2, the force sensing layer PSL isspaced apart from the driving electrodes TE1 and the sensing electrodesRE1.

When a force is applied to the second substrate SUB2 in the heightdirection (z-axis direction) of the first force sensor 510, the forcesensing layer PSL may come in contact with the driving electrodes TE1and the sensing electrodes RE1. In this case, at least one of thedriving electrodes TE1 and at least one of the sensing electrodes RE1may be physically connected through the force sensing layer PSL, and theforce sensing layer PSL may work as an electrical resistance.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the area in which the forcesensing layer PSL comes in contact with the driving electrodes TE1 andwith the sensing electrodes RE1 depends on the force applied to thefirst force sensor 510, such that the resistance value of the sensingline electrically connected to the sensing electrodes RE1 may vary. Theforce sensing unit 330 senses a change in current value or a voltagevalue from the first to eighth sensing lines RL1 to RL8, thereby sensingthe applied force, e.g., a force that the user presses by hand.

The second force sensor 520 is substantially identical to the firstforce sensor 510 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and, therefore, a redundantdescription will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a first vibration generator according tosome exemplary embodiments. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view takenalong sectional line IV-IV′ of FIG. 10 according to some exemplaryembodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first vibration generator 810 mayinclude a first is electrode 811, a second electrode 812, a vibrationlayer 813, a first base substrate 814, a second base substrate 815, afirst pad electrode 816, and a second pad electrode 817.

The first electrode 811 may be disposed on the first surface of thefirst base substrate 814, and the vibration layer 813 may be disposed onthe first electrode 811. The second electrode 812 may be disposed on thevibration layer 813, and the second base substrate 815 may be disposedon the second electrode 812. The first pad electrode 816 and the secondpad electrode 817 may be disposed on the second surface of the firstbase substrate 814.

The first electrode 811 and the second electrode 812 may be made of aconductive material. For example, the conductive material may be atransparent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indiumzinc oxide (IZO), etc., an opaque metal material, a conductive polymer,a carbon nanotube (CNT), etc.

The first electrode 811 may be connected to the first pad electrode 816through a first contact hole CH1 penetrating the first base substrate814, and accordingly may be connected to the fourth circuit board 890through the first pad electrode 816. In addition, the second electrode812 may be connected to the second pad electrode 817 through a secondcontact hole CH2 penetrating the vibration layer 813 and the first basesubstrate 814, and accordingly may be connected to the fourth circuitboard 890 through the second pad electrode 817. As a result, the firstelectrode 811 and the second electrode 812 can be electrically connectedto the vibration driver 340 of the display circuit board 310 through thefourth circuit board 890, thereby receiving the first driving voltageand the second driving voltage from the vibration driver 340.

FIG. 12 is a view for illustrating an example of vibration of the firstvibration generator of FIG. 10 according to some exemplary embodiments.

The vibration layer 813 may be a piezo actuator that is deformed asshown in FIG. 12 according to the difference between the voltage appliedto the first electrode 811 and the voltage applied to the secondelectrode 812. In this case, the vibration layer 813 may be at least oneof a piezoelectric material, such as a poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF)film, a plumbum zirconate titanate (PZT), etc., and an electroactivepolymer.

In this case, the vibration layer 813 contracts according to a firstforce F1 or relaxes according to a second force F2 according to thedifference between the first driving voltage applied to the firstelectrode 811 and the second driving voltage applied to the secondelectrode 812. For instance, as shown in FIG. 12, when the vibrationlayer 813 adjacent to the first electrode 811 has a positive polaritycharacteristic and the vibration layer 813 adjacent to the secondelectrode 812 has a negative polarity characteristic, the positive firstdriving voltage is applied to the first electrode 811 and the negativesecond driving voltage is applied to the second electrode 812, such thatthe vibration layer 813 may contract according to the first force F1. Inaddition, when the vibration layer 813 adjacent to the first electrode811 has a positive polarity characteristic and the vibration layer 813adjacent to the second electrode 812 has a negative polaritycharacteristic, the negative first driving voltage is applied to thefirst electrode 811 and the positive second driving voltage is appliedto the second electrode 812, such that the vibration layer 813 may relaxaccording to the second force F2. When the first driving voltage appliedto the first electrode 811 and the second driving voltage applied to thesecond electrode 812 have alternately repeated positive and negativepolarities, the vibration layer 813 repeatedly contracts and relaxes. Asa result, the first vibration generator 810 vibrates.

In addition, the first vibration generator 810 may also vibrate thedisplay panel 300 to output a first sound. In this case, since thedisplay device 10 can output sound by the a sound generator not exposedto the outside, the sound generator disposed on the front surface of isthe display device 10 can be eliminated. As a result, the transmissiveportion DA100 can be widened. That is to say, the display area of thedisplay device 10 can be widened or enlarged.

The first base substrate 814 and the second base substrate 815 may bemade of an insulating material. For example, each of the first basesubstrate 814 and the second base substrate 815 may be polyethersulfone(PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI),polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate(PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), orany suitable combination thereof. For example, each of the first basesubstrate 814 and the second base substrate 815 may be made of a plasticmaterial.

The first pad electrode 816 and the second pad electrode 817 may be madeof a conductive material. The first pad electrode 816 and the second padelectrode 817 may be connected to the fourth circuit board 890 using ananisotropic conductive film.

Each of the second vibration generator 820, the third vibrationgenerator 830, and the fourth vibration generator 840 is substantiallyidentical to the first vibration generator 810 described above withreference to FIGS. 10 to 12, and, therefore, a redundant descriptionwill be omitted.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 10 to 12, the first vibration generator810, the second vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator830, and the fourth vibration generator 840 may be attached to the uppersurface of the middle frame 600 disposed under the display panel 300,and connected to the display circuit board 310 through the fourthcircuit board 890. By doing so, the first vibration generator 810, thesecond vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator 830, thefourth vibration generator 840, the fourth circuit board 890, and the ismiddle frame 600 may be implemented as a single module together with thedisplay panel 300.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along sectional lines of I-I′and II-II′ of FIGS. 3 and 4 according to some exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 13, the first force sensor 510 may be disposed in thesecond area DR2 corresponding to a curved portion of the display device10. The first bumps 530 may be disposed on the upper surface of thefirst force sensor 510. Each of the first bumps 530 may be attached tothe lower surface of the panel support member 390 under the displaypanel 300 through the fourth adhesive member 940. Exemplary embodiments,however, are not limited thereto. For example, each of the first bumps530 may be disposed on the lower surface of the first force sensor 510.Then, the upper surface of the first force sensor 510 may be attached tothe lower surface of the panel support member 390 under the displaypanel 300 through the fourth adhesive member 940. Exemplary embodiments,however, are not limited thereto. For example, each of the first bumps530 may be disposed on the lower surface of the first force sensor 510.The upper surface of the first force sensor 510 may be attached to thelower surface of the panel support member 390 under the display panel300 through the fourth adhesive member 940. The fourth adhesive member940 may be an optically cleared adhesive film (OCA) or an opticallycleared resin (OCR).

The first waterproof member 410 may be disposed on the lower surface ofthe first force sensor 510. For instance, the first waterproof member410 may be attached to the lower surface of the first force sensor 510and the upper surface of the middle frame 600.

In addition, the first waterproof member 410 may be additionallyattached to a side surface of the first force sensor 510 so as toprevent moisture or dust from permeating between the display panel 300and the first force sensor 510. For instance, as shown in FIG. 13, isthe upper surface of the first waterproof member 410 attached to oneside surface of the first force sensor 510 and may be attached to thelower surface of the panel support member 390 of the display panel 300.In this case, the fourth adhesive member 940 may be eliminated. Sincethe first force sensor 510 is disposed at (or near) the right edge ofthe display panel 300, one side surface of the first force sensor 510may be the right side surface of the first force sensor 510.

As seen in FIG. 13, the first waterproof member 410 is attached to thelower surface and the right side surface of the first force sensor 510.Accordingly, even if the first force sensor 510 is disposed at the rightedge on the lower surface of the panel support member 390, it ispossible to prevent moisture and dust from permeating between thedisplay panel 300 and the middle frame 600 by the first waterproofmember 410. That is to say, the display device 10 with waterproof anddustproof capabilities can be produced.

The first vibration generator 810 may be disposed in the first area DR1corresponding to the flat portion of the display device 10. The firstvibration generator 810 may be disposed adjacent to the first forcesensor 510.

The first vibration generator 810 may be attached to the upper surfaceof the middle frame 600 through the fifth adhesive member 950. The fifthadhesive member 950 may be an optically cleared adhesive film (OCA) oran optically cleared resin (OCR).

The fourth circuit board 890 may be attached to the first vibrationgenerator 810. The fourth circuit board 890 may be attached to the firstpad electrode 816 and the second pad electrode 817 disposed on the uppersurface of the first vibration generator 810.

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may be disposed tosurround the side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810. Thefirst electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 shown in FIG. 4surrounds all the side surfaces of the first vibration is generator 810,but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, whenthe first vibration generator 810 is disposed at a corner of the middleframe 600, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may bedisposed to surround two side surfaces of the first vibration generator810. In addition, when the first vibration generator 810 is disposed atthe edge of left side, upper side, or lower side of the middle frame600, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may be disposedto surround three side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810.

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may be formed of awaterproof member (or material) substantially identical to the firstwaterproof member 410. For instance, the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450 may include a base film, a first adhesive layerdisposed on a surface of the base film, and a second adhesive layerdisposed on the other surface of the base film. The base film may be apolyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET),and a cushion layer, or a polyethylene foam (PE-foam). The firstadhesive film and the second adhesive film may be pressure sensitiveadhesive (PSA).

To prevent (e.g., effectively prevent) vibration generated by the firstvibration generator 810 from propagating to its surroundings, the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may be higher (extenderfurther from the middle frame 600) than the first vibration generator810. Accordingly, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450may be attached to the lower surface of the panel support member 390 ofthe display panel 300 and the upper surface of the middle frame 600.When the fourth circuit board 890 is disposed on one side of the firstvibration generator 810, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member450 may be attached to the lower surface of the panel support member 390and the fourth circuit board 890. As seen in FIG. 13, the upper surface,the lower surface, and the side surfaces of the first vibrationgenerator 810 are surrounded by the panel support member 390 of thedisplay is panel 300, the middle frame 600, and the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member 450. As such, it is possible toprevent vibration generated by the first vibration generator 810 frompropagating to the surroundings by the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450.

FIG. 14A shows a vibration measurement image and a graph showingvibration of the vibration generator when there is no electromagneticwave shielding member. FIG. 14B shows a vibration measurement image anda graph showing vibration of the vibration generator when there is anelectromagnetic wave shielding member according to some exemplaryembodiments.

In the images of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the x-axis represents the positionof the first vibration generator 810 in the lateral direction, and they-axis represents the position of the first vibration generator 810 inthe vertical direction. The vibration displacement becomes lower inorder of the various cross-hatched sections. In the graphs of FIGS. 14Aand 14B, the x-axis represents the position of the first vibrationgenerator 810 in the lateral direction, and the y-axis also representsthe vibration displacement.

When there is no first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 asshown in FIG. 14A, the vibration generated by the first vibrationgenerator 810 propagates to the surroundings. In contrast, when there isthe first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 as shown in FIG.14B, the vibration generated by the first vibration generator 810 cannotpass the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450. As a result,the vibration generated by the first vibration generator 810 is limitedwithin the area surrounded by the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 450. In other words, the vibration generated by the firstvibration generator 810 can be blocked by the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450.

As described in association with FIGS. 13 and 14B, the vibration by thefirst is vibration generator 810 is blocked by the first electromagneticwave shielding member 450. In this manner, when the first vibrationgenerator 810 vibrates, a user can feel the vibration only at theposition where the first vibration generator 810 is disposed.

The cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 4 issubstantially identical to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 13taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 4, except that the second waterproofmember 420, the second bump 540, the second force sensor 520, the secondvibration generator 820, the second electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 460, and the fourth circuit board 890 are disposed at the leftedge (or side portion) of the lower surface of the panel support member390 of the display panel 300. Therefore, the cross-sectional view takenalong line II-II′ will not be described to avoid redundancy.

In addition, the cross-sectional view of each of the third vibrationgenerator 830, the third electromagnetic wave shielding member 470, thefourth vibration generator 840, and the fourth electromagnetic waveshielding member 480 may be substantially identical to the firstvibration generator 810 and the second vibration generator 820 shown inFIG. 13. Therefore, the third vibration generator 830, the thirdelectromagnetic wave shielding member 470, the fourth vibrationgenerator 840, and the fourth electromagnetic wave shielding member 480will not be described to avoid redundancy.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show examples of display devices utilizing forcesensors as physical buttons in which vibration generators generatevibration only at a part of the display device in conjunction with theforce sensors or a touch sensing device according to some exemplaryembodiments.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show the first to eighth force detection cells CE1 toCE8 of each of the first force sensor 510 and the second force sensor520 disposed in the second areas DR2 of the display device 10. The firstvibration generator 810 may be disposed adjacent to the first to fourthforce detection cells CE1, CE2, CE3, and CE4 of the first force sensor510 disposed on the right curved portion of the display device 10. Thethird vibration generator 830 may be disposed adjacent to the fifth toeighth force detection cells CE5, CE6, CE7, and CE8. In addition, thesecond vibration generator 820 may be disposed adjacent to the first tofourth force detection cells CE1, CE2, CE3, and CE4 of the second forcesensor 520 disposed on the left curved portion of the display device 10.The fourth vibration generator 840 may be disposed adjacent to the fifthto eighth force detection cells CE5, CE6, CE7, and CE8.

FIG. 15A shows that a user holds the display device 10 by hand andpresses the fifth force detection cell CE5 on the left curved portioncorresponding to the second area DR2 of the display device 10 with theindex finger. FIG. 15B shows that a user holds the display device 10 byhand and squeezes the eighth force detection cell CE8 on the left curvedportion corresponding to the second area DR2 of the display device 10with the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger whilesqueezing the eighth force detection cell CE8 on the right curvedportion corresponding to the second area DR2 of the display device 10with the palm of the hand.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the first force sensor 510 and thesecond force sensor 520 may be utilized on behalf of physical buttonsfor the display device 10. For instance, when a force is applied to oneor more of the first to eighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8 of thefirst force sensor 510 on the right curved portion of the display device10 and/or to one or more of the first to eighth force detection cellsCE1 to CE8 of the second force sensor 520 on the left curved portion ofthe display device 10, a predetermined application or operation can beperformed.

In addition, when a force is applied to the first force sensor 510, thefirst vibration generator 810 or the third vibration generator 830adjacent to the first force sensor 510 may vibrate. When a force isapplied to the second force sensor 520, the second vibration generator820 or the fourth vibration generator 840 adjacent to the second forcesensor 520 may vibrate. In some exemplary embodiments, the vibrationgenerator closest to the user's touch position may vibrate.

For example, among the first to eighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8of the first force sensor 510 on the right curved portion of the displaydevice 10, the first force detection cell CE1 and the second forcedetection cell CE2 may be utilized as volume-up buttons VB+ that theuser presses to turn up the volume of the display device 10. The thirdforce detection cell CE3 and the fourth force detection cell CE4 may beutilized as volume-down buttons VB− that the user presses to turn downthe volume of the display device 10. The fifth force detection cell CE5,the sixth force detection cell CE6, and the seventh force detection cellCE7 may be utilized as power buttons PWB that the user presses to turnoff the power.

When a force is sensed from the first force detection cell CE1 and thesecond force detection cell CE2 on the right curved portion of thedisplay device 10, the main processor 710 may control a speaker of thedisplay device 10 so that the volume is turned up. In addition, when aforce is sensed from the third force detection cell CE3 and the fourthforce detection cell CE4 on the right curved portion of the displaydevice 10, the main processor 710 may control the speaker of the displaydevice 10 so that the volume is turned down. In this case, the mainprocessor 710 may output vibration data to the first vibration generator810 adjacent to the first to fourth force detection cells CE1, CE2, CE3,and CE4 on the right curved portion of the display device 10 so that thefirst vibration generator 810 vibrates. As another example, the main isprocessor 710 may output the vibration data to the first vibrationgenerator 810 closest to the position of the user's touch so that thefirst vibration generator 810 vibrates in response to the touch datainput from the touch driver 220.

In addition, when a force is sensed from the fifth force detection cellCE5 and the sixth force detection cell CE6, and the seventh forcedetection cell CE7 on the right curved portion of the display device 10,the main processor 710 may control the display device 10 so that thescreen is turned off or the screen is turned on and a user can select topower off/on the display device 10. In this case, the main processor 710may output vibration data to the third vibration generator 830 adjacentto the fifth to seventh force detection cells CE5, CE6, and CE7 on theright curved portion of the display device 10 so that the thirdvibration generator 830 vibrates. As another example, the main processor710 may output the vibration data to the third vibration generator 830closest to the position of the user's touch so that the third vibrationgenerator 830 vibrates in response to the touch data input from thetouch driver 220.

In addition, among the first to eighth force detection cells CE1 to CE8on the left curved portion of the display device 10, the first forcedetection cell CE1 and the second force detection cell CE2 may beutilized as a call button CB that the user presses to run a phoneapplication. The third force detection cell CE3 and the fourth forcedetection cell CE4 may be utilized as a camera button CMB that the userpresses to run a camera application. The fifth force detection cell CE5,the sixth force detection cell CE6, and the seventh force detection cellCE7 may be utilized as an Internet button IB that the user presses torun an Internet application.

When a force is sensed from the first force detection cell CE1 and thesecond force detection cell CE2 on the left curved portion of thedisplay device 10, the main processor 710 may control the display device10 so that a phone application is run. In addition, when a is force issensed from the third force detection cell CE3 and the fourth forcedetection cell CE4 on the left curved portion of the display device 10,the main processor 710 may control the display device 10 so that acamera application is run. In this case, the main processor 710 mayoutput vibration data to the second vibration generator 820 adjacent tothe first to fourth force detection cells CE1, CE2, CE3, and CE4 on theleft curved portion of the display device 10 so that the secondvibration generator 820 vibrates. As another example, the main processor710 may output the vibration data to the second vibration generator 820closest to the position of the user's touch so that the second vibrationgenerator 820 vibrates in response to the touch data input from thetouch driver 220.

In addition, when a force is sensed from the fifth force detection cellCE5, the sixth force detection cell CE6, and the seventh force detectioncell CE7 on the left curved portion of the display device 10, the mainprocessor 710 may control the display device 10 so that an Internetapplication is run. In this case, the main processor 710 may outputvibration data to the fourth vibration generator 840 adjacent to thefifth to seventh force detection cells CE5, CE6, and CE7 on the leftcurved portion of the display device 10 so that the fourth vibrationgenerator 840 vibrates. As another example, the main processor 710 mayoutput the vibration data to the fourth vibration generator 840 closestto the position of the user's touch so that the fourth vibrationgenerator 840 vibrates in response to the touch data input from thetouch driver 220.

It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment described inassociation with FIG. 15A is merely one example, and thus, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto. That is to say, in response to aforce applied to the first to seventh force detection cells CE1 to CE7of the first force sensor 510 on the right curved portion of the displaydevice 10 and the first to seventh force detection cells CE1 to CE7 ofthe second force sensor 520 on the left curved is portion of the displaydevice 10, various functions including or excluding the above-describedfunctions may be run. Additionally, the main processor 710 may beprogrammed so that different operations are run when a force is appliedto each of the first to seventh force detection cells CE1 to CE7 of thefirst force sensor 510 on the right curved portion of the display device10 and each of the first to seventh force detection cells CE1 to CE7 ofthe second force sensor 520 on the left curved portion of the displaydevice 10.

The eighth force detection cell CE8 on each of the left curved portionand the right curved portion of the display device 10 may be utilized asa squeezing sensing button SB. The squeezing force applied to the eighthforce detection cell CE8 may be higher and larger than the force appliedto the first to seventh force detection cells CE1 through CE7. When asqueezing force is sensed from the eighth force detection cell CE8 oneach of the left curved portion and the right curved portion, the mainprocessor 710 may control the display device 10 so that a predeterminedapplication or operation is performed.

For example, when a squeezing force is sensed from the eighth forcedetection cell CE8 on each of the left curved portion and the rightcurved portion, the main processor 710 may control the display device 10so that it is turned on from a sleep mode. In this case, the mainprocessor 710 may output vibration data to the third vibration generator830 adjacent to the eighth force detection cell CE8 on the right curvedportion so that the third vibration generator 830 vibrates. In addition,the main processor 710 may output vibration data to the fourth vibrationgenerator 840 adjacent to the eighth force detection cell CE8 on theleft curved portion so that the fourth vibration generator 840 vibrates.

As described in association with FIGS. 15A and 15B, the first forcesensor 510 and the second force sensor 520 are disposed in the secondareas DR2 corresponding to the is curved portions of the display device10, such that the first force sensor 510 and the second force sensor 520may be utilized on behalf of physical buttons such as a volume controlbutton, a power button, a call button, a camera button, an Internetbutton, and a squeezing sensing button.

In addition, when there is a user's input from an input device, one ofthe first vibration generator 810, the second vibration generator 820,the third vibration generator 830, and the fourth vibration generator840 that is closest to the input device may vibrate, so that thevibration generates only at the position to provide a haptic feedback.Although FIGS. 15A and 15B show the first and second force sensors 510and 520 and the touch sensing device 200 as the input devices, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a fingerprintrecognition sensor or a camera device 720 may be employed as the inputdevice. For example, when there is a user's fingerprint recognition by afingerprint recognition sensor, one of the first vibration generator810, the second vibration generator 820, the third vibration generator830, and the fourth vibration generator 840 that is closest to thefingerprint recognition sensor may vibrate, so that a haptic feedbackcan be provided. As another example, when there is a user's irisrecognition by the camera device 720, one of the first vibrationgenerator 810, the second vibration generator 820, the third vibrationgenerator 830, and the fourth vibration generator 840 may vibrate, sothat a haptic feedback can be provided.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13 in that the height H1 and width W1of the first vibration generator 810_1 are different from the height H2and the width W2 of the second vibration generator 820_1. The elementsof FIG. 16 identical to those of FIG. 13 will not be described to avoidredundancy.

Referring to FIG. 16, the height H1 of the first vibration generator810_1 may be higher than the height H2 of the second vibration generator820_1, and the width W1 of the first vibration generator 810_1 may bewider than the width W2 of the second vibration generator 820_1. As aresult, the volume of the first vibration generator 810_1 may be largerthan the volume of the second vibration generator 820_1. Therefore, whenthe first driving voltage and the second driving voltage, which have thesame level, are applied to the first vibration generator 810_1 and thesecond vibration generator 820_1, the intensity of the vibrationgenerated by the first vibration generator 810_1 may be greater than theintensity of vibration generated by the second vibration generator820_1.

As described in association with FIG. 16, the intensity of the vibrationof the vibration generators can be adjusted by increasing the height andwidth of the vibration generators without increasing the first drivingvoltage and the second driving voltage.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-IF according to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 17 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13 in that the first electromagneticwave shielding member 450_1 and the second electromagnetic waveshielding member 460_1 are made of steel instead of a waterproof member.The elements of FIG. 17 identical to those of FIG. 13 will not bedescribed to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 450_1 is made of steel, it is possible to more effectively blockthe vibration generated by the first vibration generator 810 and thevibration generated by the second vibration generator 820 than by anelectromagnetic wave shielding member made of the waterproof member. Inaddition, to prevent (e.g., effectively prevent) the vibration generatedby the first vibration generator 810 from propagating to thesurroundings, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1 maybe higher than the first vibration generator 810.

When the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1 is made ofsteel, a first adhesive layer 960 and a second adhesive layer 970 areused to attach it to the upper surface of the middle frame 600 and tothe lower surface of the panel support member 390. The first adhesivelayer 960 and the second adhesive layer 970 may be an optically clearedadhesive film (OCA) or an optically cleared resin (OCR).

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1 may be attached tothe lower surface of the panel support member 390 through the firstadhesive layer 960 and may be attached to the upper surface of themiddle frame 600 through the second adhesive layer 970. When the fourthcircuit board 890 is disposed on one side of the first vibrationgenerator 810, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1 maybe attached to the upper surface of the fourth circuit board 890 throughthe second adhesive layer 970.

As described in association with FIG. 17, the upper surface, the lowersurface, and the side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810 aresurrounded by the panel support member 390, the middle frame 600, andthe first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1. Accordingly, itis possible to prevent the vibration generated by the first vibrationgenerator 810 from propagating to the surroundings by the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1.

The second electromagnetic wave shielding member 460_1 is substantiallyis identical to the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1except that the second electromagnetic wave shielding member 460_1 isdisposed on (or near) the left edge of the lower surface of the panelsupport member 390, and, therefore, a redundant description will beomitted.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-IF according to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13 in that a first vibrationgenerator 810 and a first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 aredisposed in a first accommodating hole AH1 formed in the upper surfaceof the middle frame 600_1, and that a second vibration generator 820 anda second electromagnetic wave shielding member 460 are disposed in asecond accommodating hole AH2 formed in the upper surface of the middleframe 600_1. The elements of FIG. 18 identical to those of FIG. 13 willnot be described to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 18, a first accommodating hole AH1 and a secondaccommodating hole AH2 may be formed in the upper surface of the middleframe 600_1 that are recessed from the upper surface of the middle frame600_1. The middle frame 600_1 may include a first area DR1 formed in aflat shape and second areas DR2 formed in a curved shape. The firstaccommodating hole AH1 and the second accommodating hole AH2 may beformed in the first area DR1.

The first vibration generator 810 and the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450 may be disposed in the first accommodating holeAH1. The first vibration generator 810 may be attached to the floorsurface FS of the first accommodating hole AH1.

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 may be made of awaterproof member substantially identical to that of the firstwaterproof member 410. To prevent (e.g., effectively prevent) thevibration generated by the first vibration generator 810 frompropagating to the surroundings, the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450 may be higher than the first vibration generator810. Accordingly, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450may be attached to the floor surface FS of the first accommodating holeAH1 and the lower surface of the panel support member 390. When thefourth circuit board 890 is disposed on one side of the first vibrationgenerator 810, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450 isattached to the lower surface of the panel support member 390 and thefourth circuit board 890.

As described in association with FIG. 18, the upper surface, the lowersurface, and the side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810 aresurrounded by the panel support member 390, the middle frame 600_1, andthe first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450. Accordingly, it ispossible to prevent the vibration generated by the first vibrationgenerator 810 from propagating to the surroundings by the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member 450.

The second vibration generator 820 and the second electromagnetic waveshielding member 460 are substantially identical to the first vibrationgenerator 810 and the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450,except that the second vibration generator 820 and the secondelectromagnetic wave shielding member 460 are disposed in the secondaccommodating hole AH2, and, therefore, a redundant description will beomitted.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-IF according to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is different from theexemplary is embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 in that a firstvibration generator 810 and a first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 450_1 are disposed in a first accommodating hole AH1 formed inthe upper surface of the middle frame 600_1, and that a second vibrationgenerator 820 and a second electromagnetic wave shielding member 460_1are disposed in a second accommodating hole AH2 formed in the uppersurface of the middle frame 600_1. The elements of FIG. 19 identical tothose of FIGS. 17 and 18 will not be described to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 19, a first accommodating hole AH1 and a secondaccommodating hole AH2 may be formed in the upper surface of the middleframe 600_1 that are recessed from the upper surface of the middle frame600_1.

The first vibration generator 810 and the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450_1 may be disposed in the first accommodating holeAH1. The first vibration generator 810 may be attached to the floorsurface FS of the first accommodating hole AH1.

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1 is made of steel,and thus, it is possible to more effectively block the vibrationgenerated by the first vibration generator 810 and the vibrationgenerated by the second vibration generator 820 than by theelectromagnetic wave shielding member made of a waterproof member. Inaddition, in order to prevent (e.g., effectively prevent) the vibrationgenerated by the first vibration generator 810 from propagating to thesurroundings, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1 maybe higher than the first vibration generator 810.

When the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1 is made ofsteel, a first adhesive layer 960 and a second adhesive layer 970 areused to attach it to the upper surface of the middle frame 600_1 and tothe lower surface of the panel support member 390. The first is adhesivelayer 960 and the second adhesive layer 970 may be an optically clearedadhesive film (OCA) or an optically cleared resin (OCR).

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1 may be attached tothe lower surface of the panel support member 390 through the firstadhesive layer 960 and may be attached to the floor surface FS of thefirst accommodating hole AH1 through the second adhesive layer 970. Whenthe fourth circuit board 890 is disposed on one side of the firstvibration generator 810, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member450_1 may be attached to the fourth circuit board 890 through the secondadhesive layer 970.

As described in association with FIG. 19, the upper surface, the lowersurface, and the side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810 aresurrounded by the panel support member 390, the middle frame 600_1, andthe first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1. As such, it ispossible to prevent vibration generated by the first vibration generator810 from propagating to the surroundings by the first electromagneticwave shielding member 450_1.

The second electromagnetic wave shielding member 460_1 is substantiallyidentical to the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_1,except that it is disposed in the accommodating hole AH2, and,therefore, a redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing another example of a middle frameaccording to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectionalview of the display panel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 20taken along sectional lines I-I′ and II-IT according to some exemplaryembodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13 in that a first electromagneticwave shielding member 450_2 and a second electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 460_2 protrude from the upper is surface of the middle frame600_2. The elements of FIGS. 20 and 21 identical to those of FIG. 13will not be described to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 450_2 may protrude from the upper surface of the middle frame600_2. To prevent (e.g., effectively prevent) the vibration generated bythe first vibration generator 810 from propagating to the surroundings,the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_2 may be higher thanthe first vibration generator 810.

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_2 may be attached tothe lower surface of the panel support member 390 through a thirdadhesive layer 980. The third adhesive layer 980 may be an opticallycleared adhesive film (OCA) or an optically cleared resin (OCR).

The fourth circuit board 890 may be disposed on the upper surface of thefirst electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_2 disposed on one sideof the first vibration generator 810. The third adhesive layer 980 maybe attached to the lower surface of the panel support member 390 and thefourth circuit board 890.

As described in association with FIGS. 20 and 21, the upper surface, thelower surface, and the side surfaces of the first vibration generator810 are surrounded by the panel support member 390 of the display panel300, the middle frame 600_2, and the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450_2. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent thevibration generated by the first vibration generator 810 frompropagating to the surroundings by the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450_2.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the second electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 460_2, the third electromagnetic wave shielding member 470_2, andthe fourth is electromagnetic wave shielding member 480_2 may also besubstantially identical to the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 450_2, and, therefore, a redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 20 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 22 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 19 in that a first electromagneticwave shielding member 450_3 and a second electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 460_3 protrude from the floor surface FS of the firstaccommodating hole AH1 and the floor surface FS of the secondaccommodating hole AH2 of the middle frame 600_3. The elements of FIG.22 identical to those of FIG. 19 will not be described to avoidredundancy.

Referring to FIG. 22, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member450_3 may protrude from the floor surface FS of the first accommodatinghole AH1 of the middle frame 600_3. To prevent (e.g., effectivelyprevent) the vibration generated by the first vibration generator 810from propagating to the surroundings, the first electromagnetic waveshielding member 450_3 may be higher than the first vibration generator810.

The first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_3 may be attached tothe lower surface of the panel support member 390 through a thirdadhesive layer 980. The third adhesive layer 980 may be an opticallycleared adhesive film (OCA) or an optically cleared resin (OCR).

The fourth circuit board 890 may be disposed on the upper surface of thefirst electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_3 disposed on one sideof the first vibration is generator 810. The third adhesive layer 980may be attached to the lower surface of the panel support member 390 andthe fourth circuit board 890.

As described in association with FIG. 22, the upper surface, the lowersurface, and the side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810 aresurrounded by the panel support member 390 of the display panel 300, themiddle frame 600_3, and the first electromagnetic wave shielding member450_3. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the vibration generated bythe first vibration generator 810 from propagating to the surroundingsby the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_3.

In addition to as shown in FIG. 22, each of the second electromagneticwave shielding member 460_3, the third electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 470_3, and the fourth electromagnetic wave shielding member 480_3may also protrude from the floor surface of the accommodating hole ofthe middle frame 600_3, substantially identical to the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member 450_3, and, therefore, a redundantdescription will be omitted.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the displaypanel attached the cover window of FIGS. 3 and 20 taken along sectionallines I-I′ and II-II′ according to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 23 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13 in that each of the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member 450_4 and the secondelectromagnetic wave shielding member 460_4 is removed from the regionwhere the fourth circuit board 890 is disposed. The elements of FIG. 23identical to those of FIG. 13 will not be described to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 23, a fourth circuit board 890 is disposed on one sidesurface is and a part of the upper surface of a first vibrationgenerator 810. Accordingly, to dispose the fourth circuit board 890, apart of the first electromagnetic wave shielding member 450_4 facing theside surface of the first vibration generator 810 may be removed.

In addition to as shown in FIG. 23, to dispose the fourth circuit board890, a portion of the second electromagnetic wave shielding member460_4, the third electromagnetic wave shielding member 470_4, and thefourth electromagnetic wave shielding member 480_4 may also be removed,as well as the portion of the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 450_4.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing another example of a middle frameaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 24 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that a first electromagneticwave shielding member 450_5 surrounds three side surfaces of the firstvibration generator 810, a second electromagnetic wave shielding member460_5 surrounds three side surfaces of the second vibration generator820, a third electromagnetic wave shielding member 470_5 surrounds threeside surfaces of the third vibration generator 830, and a fourthelectromagnetic wave shielding member 480_5 surrounds three sidesurfaces of the fourth vibration generator 840. The elements of FIG. 24identical to those of FIG. 4 will not be described to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 24, a first electromagnetic wave shielding member450_5 surrounds the side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810,except the right side surface facing the first waterproof member 410.Accordingly, the vibration generated by the first vibration generator810 can be propagated to the right end of the middle frame 600_4 withoutbeing blocked in the right side direction. In this case, since the firstvibration generator 810 is is disposed on the right side of the middleframe 600_4, vibration can be generated only at the area from the firstvibration generator 810 to the right end of the middle frame 600_4.

The second electromagnetic wave shielding member 460_5 surrounds theside surfaces of the second vibration generator 820, except the leftside surface facing the second waterproof member 420. Accordingly, thevibration generated by the second vibration generator 820 can bepropagated to the left end of the middle frame 600_4 without beingblocked in the left side direction. In this case, since the secondvibration generator 820 is disposed on the left side of the middle frame600_4, vibration can be generated only at the area from the secondvibration generator 820 to the left end of the middle frame 600_4.

The third electromagnetic wave shielding member 470_5 surrounds the sidesurfaces of the first vibration generator 810, except the right sidesurface facing the first waterproof member 420. Accordingly, thevibration generated by the third vibration generator 830 can bepropagated to the right end of the middle frame 600_4 without beingblocked in the right side direction. In this case, since the thirdvibration generator 830 is disposed on the right side of the middleframe 600_4, vibration can be generated only at the area from the thirdvibration generator 830 to the right end of the middle frame 600_4.

The fourth electromagnetic wave shielding member 480_5 surrounds theside surfaces of the fourth vibration generator 840, except the leftside surface facing the second waterproof member 420. Accordingly, thevibration generated by the fourth vibration generator 840 can bepropagated to the left end of the middle frame 600_4 without beingblocked in the left side direction. In this case, since the fourthvibration generator 840 is disposed on the left side of the middle frame600_4, vibration can be generated only at the area from the fourthvibration generator 840 to the left end of the middle frame 600_4.

As described in association with FIG. 24, when the vibration generatorsare disposed on the sides of the middle frame, by disposing theelectromagnetic wave shielding member to surround the side surfaces ofeach of the vibration generators except the side surface facing the sideend of the middle frame, vibration can be generated only in the limitedpositions.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing another example of a middle frameaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 25 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 24 in that a first electromagneticwave shielding member 450_6 surrounds two side surfaces of the firstvibration generator 810, and a second electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 460_6 surrounds two side surfaces of the second vibrationgenerator 820. The elements of FIG. 25 identical to those of FIG. 24will not be described to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 25, the first electromagnetic wave shielding member450_6 surrounds the side surfaces of the first vibration generator 810except its right side surface and upper side surface facing the rightend and the upper end of the middle frame 600_5, respectively.Accordingly, the vibration generated by the first vibration generator810 can be propagated to the right end and the upper end of the middleframe 600_5 without being blocked in the right side direction and in theupper side direction. Since the first vibration generator 810 isdisposed on the upper right side of the middle frame 600_5, vibrationmay be generated only in the area from the first vibration generator 810to the right end and to the upper end of the middle frame 600_5.

In addition, the second electromagnetic wave shielding member 460_6surrounds the side surfaces of the second vibration generator 820,except its left side surface and upper side is surface facing the leftend and the upper end of the middle frame 600_5, respectively. As such,the vibration generated by the second vibration generator 820 can bepropagated to the left end and the upper end of the middle frame 600_5without being blocked in the left side direction and in the upper sidedirection. Since the second vibration generator 820 is disposed adjacentthe upper left corner of the middle frame 600_5, vibration may begenerated only in the area from the second vibration generator 820 tothe left end and to the upper end of the middle frame 600_5.

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing another example of a middle frameaccording to some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 26 is different from theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 25 in that a third electromagneticwave shielding member 470_6 surrounds two side surfaces of the thirdvibration generator 830, and a fourth electromagnetic wave shieldingmember 480_6 surrounds two side surfaces of the fourth vibrationgenerator 840. The elements of FIG. 26 identical to those of FIG. 25will not be described to avoid redundancy.

Referring to FIG. 26, the third electromagnetic wave shielding member470_6 surrounds the side surfaces of the third vibration generator 830,except its right side surface and lower side surface facing the rightend and the lower end of the middle frame 600_6, respectively.Accordingly, the vibration generated by the third vibration generator830 can be propagated to the right end and the lower end of the middleframe 600_6 without being blocked in the right side direction and in thelower side direction. Accordingly, vibration can be generated only atthe area from the third vibration generator 830 to the right end and tothe lower end of the middle frame 600_6.

In addition, the fourth electromagnetic wave shielding member 480_6surrounds is the side surfaces of the fourth vibration generator 840,except its left side surface and lower side surface facing the left endand the lower end of the middle frame 600_6, respectively. As such, thevibration generated by the fourth vibration generator 840 can bepropagated to the left end and the lower end of the middle frame 600_6without being blocked in the left side direction and in the lower sidedirection. Accordingly, vibration can be generated only at the area fromthe fourth vibration generator 840 to the left end and to the lower endof the middle frame 600_6.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have beendescribed herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparentfrom this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are notlimited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of theaccompanying claims and various obvious modifications and equivalentarrangements as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a display panel; afirst force sensor disposed under the display panel; a first vibrationgenerator disposed under the display panel and adjacent to the firstforce sensor; and a first electromagnetic wave shielding membersurrounding side surfaces of the first vibration generator.
 2. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member is closer to the display panelthan an upper surface of the first vibration generator.
 3. The displaydevice of claim 1, further comprising: a middle frame disposed under thedisplay panel.
 4. The display device of claim 3, wherein the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member is between a lower surface of thedisplay panel and an upper surface of the middle frame.
 5. The displaydevice of claim 3, further comprising: a first adhesive layer attachedto the first electromagnetic wave shielding member, the first adhesivelayer being between a lower surface of the display panel and the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member; and a second adhesive layerattached to the first electromagnetic wave shielding member and an uppersurface of the middle frame.
 6. The display device of claim 3, wherein:the first electromagnetic wave shielding member protrudes from an uppersurface of the middle frame; and the display device further comprises athird adhesive layer attached to the first electromagnetic waveshielding member, the third adhesive layer being between a lower surfaceof the display panel and the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember.
 7. The display device of claim 3, wherein the first vibrationgenerator and the first electromagnetic wave shielding member areaccommodated in a first accommodating hole formed in an upper surface ofthe middle frame.
 8. The display device of claim 7, wherein the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member is between the lower surface ofthe display panel and a floor surface of the first accommodating hole.9. The display device of claim 7, further comprising: a first adhesivelayer attached to the first electromagnetic wave shielding member, thefirst adhesive layer being between a lower surface of the display paneland the first electromagnetic wave shielding member; and a secondadhesive layer attached to the first electromagnetic wave shieldingmember and the floor surface of the first accommodating hole.
 10. Thedisplay device of claim 7, wherein the first electromagnetic waveshielding member protrudes from the floor surface of the firstaccommodating hole.
 11. The display device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a circuit board connected to a first pad electrode and asecond pad electrode of the first vibration generator, wherein the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member is disposed on the circuit board.12. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first vibration generatoris configured to vibrate in response to detection of a force via thefirst force sensor.
 13. The display device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second force sensor disposed under the display panel; asecond vibration generator disposed under the display panel and adjacentto the second force sensor; and a second electromagnetic wave shieldingmember surrounding side surfaces of the second vibration generator. 14.The display device of claim 13, wherein: the first force sensor isdisposed closer to a first side end of the display panel than the firstforce sensor; and the second force sensor is disposed closer to a secondside end of the display panel than the second force sensor, the secondside end being different from the first side end.
 15. The display deviceof claim 13, wherein: the first vibration generator is configured tovibrate in response to detection of a force via the first force sensor;and the second vibration generator is configured to vibrate in responseto detection of a force via the second force sensor.
 16. The displaydevice of claim 13, wherein a height or width of the first vibrationgenerator is different from a height or width of the second vibrationgenerator.
 17. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: athird vibration generator disposed under the display panel and adjacentto the first force sensor; and a third electromagnetic wave shieldingmember surrounding side surfaces of the third vibration generator. 18.The display device of claim 17, wherein: the first force sensorcomprises a plurality of force detection cells; the first vibrationgenerator is disposed adjacent to one of the plurality of forcedetection cells; and the third vibration generator is disposed adjacentto another one of the plurality of force detection cells.
 19. Thedisplay device of claim 18, wherein: the first vibration generator isconfigured to vibrate in response to detection of a force via one of theplurality of force detection cells; and the third vibration generator isconfigured to vibrate in response to detection of a force via anotherone of the plurality of force detection cells.
 20. The display device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a first waterproof member disposed underthe first force sensor.
 21. The display device of claim 20, wherein thefirst waterproof member faces one side surface of the firstelectromagnetic wave shielding member.
 22. The display device of claim20, wherein the first electromagnetic wave shielding member surrounds atleast two side surfaces of the first vibration generator, except oneside surface of the first vibration generator.
 23. A display devicecomprising: an input device configured to receive an input from a user;a display panel configured to display an image; a first vibrationgenerator disposed under the display panel; and a first electromagneticwave shielding member surrounding side surfaces of the first vibrationgenerator, wherein the first vibration generator is configured tovibrate in response to reception of the input via the input device.